I am confused. I currently own a Telecaster and am thinking of buying a Strat. I have been looking at both the American Specials and the American Standards. The Specials are about $400 cheaper where I live. They have almost the same finish except for the fingerboard, and have Texas Special pickups. The Standards are more expensive, but IMO look nicer. They do not have Texas Special pickups. Everyone is telling me to get the American Standard guitar and then install Texas Special pickups. My question is why would I pay $400 more for the guitar and then pay even more to get Texas Specials installed when I can buy the cheaper guitar with the Texas Specials already installed? Both guitars are made in the USA.
Can someone tell me if there is a reason to spend more on the American Standard? Also, why did Fender put Texas Specials in a cheaper guitar and not in the more expensive guitar?
Thanks for any input.

My question is why would I pay $400 more for the guitar and then pay even more to get Texas Specials installed when I can buy the cheaper guitar with the Texas Specials already installed? Both guitars are made in the USA.
Can someone tell me if there is a reason to spend more on the American Standard?

Yes, you are right it is not $400. I am going by the price at 2 guitar stores I checked out in town. I was also comparing the 2 tone sunburst American Special to a Sienna sunburst American Standard. They wanted $860 for the Special and $1195 for the Standard. That is a difference of $335. All I wanted to know was if it was worth getting the American Standard for the extra money and then changing the pickups, or just buying the cheaper one. Anyway, someone pointed out that the special doesn't come with a case, so that is probably the biggest difference in price. Thanks for the comments.

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